Hontiveros wants probe over proposed use of biofertilizer

FILE: Senator Risa Hontiveros presides over the hybrid hearing on the use of Filipinos in scam operations abroad in Pasay City on Wednesday (Jan. 25, 2023). Hontiveros, chairperson of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, said Filipinos are recruited by criminal syndicates and are used in scam operations not only in Myanmar but also in Cambodia. (PNA photo by Avito Dalan)

MANILA – Senator Risa Hontiveros on Thursday filed a resolution seeking an inquiry into the memorandum issued by the Department of Agriculture (DA) mandating the use of biofertilizers.

In Senate Resolution No. 608, Hontiveros said the proposed investigation of DA Memorandum Order (MO) No. 32 aims to prevent a repeat of the 2004 Fertilizer Fund Scam, in which the DA’s fertilizer funds were allegedly diverted and used for reelection.

Issued on April 27, MO No. 32, establishes guidelines for the distribution and use of biofertilizers to increase rice production.

The DA stated in its memorandum order that the selected biofertilizer at PHP 2,000 per hectare “can substitute for at least two bags of inorganic urea fertilizers without sacrificing the yield.”

The DA pegged the cost of two bags of urea at PHP4,000, thus resulting in a savings of PHP 2,000, or more if the cost of the biofertilizer chosen is less expensive.

However, Hontiveros noted that MO No. 32’s figure of PHP4,000 is incorrect because, according to her, urea costs just PHP 1,100 per bag and two bags per hectare would cost only PHP2,200.

“There is a need to investigate the basis for the issuance of MO No. 32, whether the price of fertilizer and the cost of urea per bag are indeed high enough to warrant the insistence of the Department of Agriculture on using biofertilizer,” the resolution stated.

She said that in a time of high prices and looming El Niño, it is imperative to review the policies of the DA on rice production.

The resolution also called for a study to determine if biofertilizer is indeed more cost-effective and increases rice farmers’ yield.

“The idea of buying biofertilizers is drawing concern from farmer organizations since it may end up being another fertilizer fund scam. We must look at this situation. Kabuhayan nila ang pinakamaaapektuhan dito (Their livelihood is most at stake here) and we should listen to what they have to say,” Hontiveros said in a statement.

On May 8, Rosendo So, chairperson of the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG), the use of biofertilizers on a commercial scale is not yet proven to result in higher yield and cost efficiency, and the absence of field trials and commercial tests would merit a “sudden promotion” of biofertilizers nationwide.

Hontiveros added that the procurement agency and its auditors may not know how to specify biofertilizer quality and price.

She also warned that there may be a chance that “the bidding will be competitive on paper but not in reality” due to the lack of suppliers.

“I trust in the integrity of DA Undersecretary (Leocadio) Sebastian, and this resolution should be viewed in the spirit of enhancing the procurement process at the DA so that regional DA offices and their auditors receive better guidance,” she said.